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Patents play a critical role in protecting new ideas, inventions, processes, and technologies. Whether you are an individual inventor, a startup, or an established company, securing the right patent protection can help preserve the value of your innovation and give you a stronger position in the marketplace. Keisling & Pieper PLC assists clients through the patent process with careful attention to strategy, technical detail, and long-term business goals.
What is a patent?
A patent is a property right granted to an inventor by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It allows the patent owner to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, importing, or selling the invention in the United States.
How long does a patent last?
A new patent may last for 20 years from the date the patent application was filed in the United States, subject to applicable rules and requirements.
What does “patent pending” mean?
“Patent pending” or “patent applied for” means an application has been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. These terms should not be used falsely or deceptively.
Who owns a patent when more than one person contributes to the invention?
If multiple people contribute to the ideas forming the invention as defined in the claims, they may be joint inventors. If one person provides the inventive ideas and another only follows instructions to make it, the person who contributed the ideas is generally the inventor.